Now @loud has gone through a year of transformation and thus, publishing our new magazine in 2010; RepublicanPost (ReP). Student-initiated and student-led, @loud caters to students in RP and other polytechnics in Singapore, as well as to the public. We deal with issues ranging from youth and graduate issues, the latest fashion, movies, music, entrepreneurship, career ideas, to politics.
At @loud, when we want something to be done, we work together as a team to achieve our goal. We com from a diverse background and from all walks of lives, the @loud team is full of energy, is creative and is always bursting with ideas with its think-out-of-the-box nature.
Thus, our name A L(oad) O(f) U(tter) D(elirium).
@loud
July 2010
@Loud Online Launch
Chief Editor: Sakina Khaliq
Deputy Editor: Shaistah Munawar
Editor: Ng Si Ying Amandaz
Editor: Clara Lim Mei Xing
Editor: Teo Xing Zhi
Head Designer: Kenneth Pek
Webmaster: Yazier Nifail Hamzah.
Special thanks to: Khadijah Binte Rosli.
Basecodes: © Candycoatedmisery 2010
Contact us at: aloud.rp.gmail.com
By Eyra Fazira
(Picture by Chef Sufiyan, used with permission)
What drove you to join Chef Selebriti (Celebrity Chef)?
I decided to go and try out for the auditions without thinking too much about it. I had no idea at first that the top prize will be getting to host my own cooking show on Suria! My family’s motivation and support was also the main factor of me joining this competition.
How did you feel about competing with other chefs who have been in the industry longer than you and have had more experience?
It definitely was a tough competition, 30 chefs to beat! What’s more, the other chefs had more years of experience in the culinary world and they were from big name restaurants in Singapore.
How would you describe your journey on Chef Selebriti?
It certainly has been an experience of a lifetime. I have made great friends and also got to work with popular local TV personalities like Asmah Laili and Chef Bob. I have been given a lot of great opportunities as well!
You mentioned previously that after joining this competition, you have gained some great opportunities. What are some of them?
Yes! I was given acting opportunities on Suria, such as on shows like Metafora and Bulan di Malam Gersang, which is a collaboration between Radio Television Brunei & Mediacorp.
How do you think your life would have been like if you had won the top prize?
I didn’t join the competition to win it since the reality show was the first of its kind here, unlike the usual singing competition. So, I just gave it a shot! I was not expecting to make it through the next round, or even get into television until the semi-finals.
If you weren't a chef, or in the food business, what would you be?
This is a really tough question... Cooking is my passion. I love it. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else except being part of the culinary world as a chef. @
By Yazier Nifail Hamzah
“Being a girl who never used to knew how to draw a simple flower;
I feel extremely proud of myself to be where I am right now,
both in the Henna world and in Write IG.”
3 years ago, she started practising henna when her mother brought home some henna cones. Today, she is one of Singapore’s renowned henna artists. A simple traditional Pakistani girl, Shaistah Munawar, is also our Deputy Editor. Here we will uncover some facts about her challenges to cope with the competition in school and also out there in the working world.
How do you juggle school and your business?
It is hard and tiring at times, because both are as important. I try to balance both but of course school comes first.
And at school, you're the deputy editor for write IG and also a communications student. Does that affect you in any way?
Yes, I know that my facilitators have high expectations for me, but I doubt it is because I am the deputy editor. My friends have always been the same, so it does not really affect me in any way.
So in that case there isn’t any kind of competition going on in class, between you and your classmates since they know that you have the skills as a writer and also an editor?
Competition is everywhere, whether it is obvious or not, its still there. My classmates have been really nice and so far, I do not sense any sort of major competition.
How about the competition from other henna artists here in Singapore?
Being a freelancer, it is indeed very hard to make a name for yourself here in Singapore, especially when there are many other talented henna artists. Yes competition is really high but I feel that at the end of the day, it all comes down to your service and how much people like you.
Do you consider this a success? Being Write IG’s deputy editor, as well as an established henna artist?
Yes, it is a success! Being a girl who never used to know how to draw a simple flower, I feel extremely proud of myself to be where I am right now, both in the Henna world and in Write IG.
Any advice for those who are juggling and fighting off competition as much you do?
Competition is everywhere and is in everything you do, but how you handle it tells a lot about you. It's simple, give your best in everything you do and feel happy for others when they succeed, because the more you feel jealous, you are one step away from being successful. Success doesn't come by competing with others; success comes when you know you can do it. @
How do you juggle school and your business?
It is hard and tiring at times, because both are as important. I try to balance both but of course school comes first.
And at school, you're the deputy editor for write IG and also a communications student. Does that affect you in any way?
Yes, I know that my facilitators have high expectations for me, but I doubt it is because I am the deputy editor. My friends have always been the same, so it does not really affect me in any way.
So in that case there isn’t any kind of competition going on in class, between you and your classmates since they know that you have the skills as a writer and also an editor?
Competition is everywhere, whether it is obvious or not, its still there. My classmates have been really nice and so far, I do not sense any sort of major competition.
How about the competition from other henna artists here in Singapore?
Being a freelancer, it is indeed very hard to make a name for yourself here in Singapore, especially when there are many other talented henna artists. Yes competition is really high but I feel that at the end of the day, it all comes down to your service and how much people like you.
Do you consider this a success? Being Write IG’s deputy editor, as well as an established henna artist?
Yes, it is a success! Being a girl who never used to know how to draw a simple flower, I feel extremely proud of myself to be where I am right now, both in the Henna world and in Write IG.
Any advice for those who are juggling and fighting off competition as much you do?
Competition is everywhere and is in everything you do, but how you handle it tells a lot about you. It's simple, give your best in everything you do and feel happy for others when they succeed, because the more you feel jealous, you are one step away from being successful. Success doesn't come by competing with others; success comes when you know you can do it. @
Gang Rivalry
By Mardiana Abdul Malek
Have any of you ever wondered how rivalry could actually be a turning point in someone’s life? Being in a gang, there seem to be a lot of ways to get into trouble. In search of answers, @LOUD had the opportunity to interview Azlan (not his real name), 23 years old, who was once a gang member.
What led you to join a gang?
It was all about peer influence. At such young age of 14, I was definitely very naive.
Were your parents aware of the gang activities that you were involved in?
No, they weren’t aware of it until I got caught in 2004 and went in and out of the police station for so many times. After a while, bailing me out already became a norm to them.
How important was it for you to be recognized as one of the best gang members?
For me, it wasn’t much of being recognized or being famous among the gang members. It was the spirit of brotherhood; taking care of and looking out for each other and being loyal to the gang that mattered.
Have you ever thought of the consequences of getting into gang fights?
No, I was very impulsive last time. It was more like I was living on the ‘fast lane’; living like there’s no tomorrow.
How did you cope with the competition among the other gangs?
If my gang saw any other stalls which sell DVDs or CD-ROMS at our designated area whereby we sold the same stuffs as well, we would confront the people whom we see at the stall to find out who they are selling those things for. If other gangs wanted to dominate the same area, they had to pay us with some of the profits that they gained through their business.
What are the future plans that you have for yourself after going through a lot during those competitive yet dark years?
My ambition is to be a dietician. I’ll be pursuing Bachelor of Science in Perth, Australia for 4 years. I’m majoring in Exercise and Health Science. I do hope to come back to Singapore during my term breaks.
We hereby arrive at a conclusion whereby life, no matter in a gang or not, competition is always inevitable. Sometimes, competition may lead us to a possible mishap but that does not mean we should falter. Instead, we should do it like Azlan; move on to better and more beautiful things in life. @
Have any of you ever wondered how rivalry could actually be a turning point in someone’s life? Being in a gang, there seem to be a lot of ways to get into trouble. In search of answers, @LOUD had the opportunity to interview Azlan (not his real name), 23 years old, who was once a gang member.
What led you to join a gang?
It was all about peer influence. At such young age of 14, I was definitely very naive.
Were your parents aware of the gang activities that you were involved in?
No, they weren’t aware of it until I got caught in 2004 and went in and out of the police station for so many times. After a while, bailing me out already became a norm to them.
How important was it for you to be recognized as one of the best gang members?
For me, it wasn’t much of being recognized or being famous among the gang members. It was the spirit of brotherhood; taking care of and looking out for each other and being loyal to the gang that mattered.
Have you ever thought of the consequences of getting into gang fights?
No, I was very impulsive last time. It was more like I was living on the ‘fast lane’; living like there’s no tomorrow.
How did you cope with the competition among the other gangs?
If my gang saw any other stalls which sell DVDs or CD-ROMS at our designated area whereby we sold the same stuffs as well, we would confront the people whom we see at the stall to find out who they are selling those things for. If other gangs wanted to dominate the same area, they had to pay us with some of the profits that they gained through their business.
What are the future plans that you have for yourself after going through a lot during those competitive yet dark years?
My ambition is to be a dietician. I’ll be pursuing Bachelor of Science in Perth, Australia for 4 years. I’m majoring in Exercise and Health Science. I do hope to come back to Singapore during my term breaks.
We hereby arrive at a conclusion whereby life, no matter in a gang or not, competition is always inevitable. Sometimes, competition may lead us to a possible mishap but that does not mean we should falter. Instead, we should do it like Azlan; move on to better and more beautiful things in life. @
By Heng Yi Shi & Hasinah Yasmeen
We interviewed a local model who has been avidly involved in many renowned runways. He has shared about his experiences in the modelling industry. There will be a huge revelation on what is going on “behind-the-scenes” among the models!
What kind of people do you face in the modelling industry?
I face strong competitions. The modelling industry prefers Caucasian models to Asian models. Caucasian models tend to be bigger in size, have longer legs (taller) and stronger bone structure.
We interviewed a local model who has been avidly involved in many renowned runways. He has shared about his experiences in the modelling industry. There will be a huge revelation on what is going on “behind-the-scenes” among the models!
What kind of people do you face in the modelling industry?
I face strong competitions. The modelling industry prefers Caucasian models to Asian models. Caucasian models tend to be bigger in size, have longer legs (taller) and stronger bone structure.
How do you deal with difficult people?
Asian models are detested because Caucasian models feel that the modelling industry belongs to them and they even think that Asians are a grade lower than they are. But I just don’t take it too hard.
We hear that the industry is quite competitive, what kind of competitions do you face?
Sometimes I face pressure in losing weight as some clients want their models to be size 4 and below. So the thinner models would get the job instead of me.
What motivates you to stay in the industry despite these competitions?
Encouragements from photographers and certain clients motivate me. Like Marc Jacobs, they believe that the modelling world does not only revolve around Caucasian models.
How have the competitions you face changed your life?
It has changed the perception I had about the modelling world. I used to think that it was all glamorous but what happens behind the scenes is totally different. Sometimes, clients tell us to do things over our limit like, posing nude.
What is the advice you can give to novices on facing their competitions?
I can tell them that they should not take things too hard. Just because you fall once, does not mean you cannot get up anymore. So don’t take things too seriously.
Modelling may appear to be all glitz and glamour. However, what goes on ‘behind-the-scenes’ is definitely a great contrary to what appears before the stage. In fact, most models are deemed as only but walking-clothes-hangers. Are the apparent glories worthwhile for these ‘walking-clothes-hangers’? @
Asian models are detested because Caucasian models feel that the modelling industry belongs to them and they even think that Asians are a grade lower than they are. But I just don’t take it too hard.
We hear that the industry is quite competitive, what kind of competitions do you face?
Sometimes I face pressure in losing weight as some clients want their models to be size 4 and below. So the thinner models would get the job instead of me.
What motivates you to stay in the industry despite these competitions?
Encouragements from photographers and certain clients motivate me. Like Marc Jacobs, they believe that the modelling world does not only revolve around Caucasian models.
How have the competitions you face changed your life?
It has changed the perception I had about the modelling world. I used to think that it was all glamorous but what happens behind the scenes is totally different. Sometimes, clients tell us to do things over our limit like, posing nude.
What is the advice you can give to novices on facing their competitions?
I can tell them that they should not take things too hard. Just because you fall once, does not mean you cannot get up anymore. So don’t take things too seriously.
Modelling may appear to be all glitz and glamour. However, what goes on ‘behind-the-scenes’ is definitely a great contrary to what appears before the stage. In fact, most models are deemed as only but walking-clothes-hangers. Are the apparent glories worthwhile for these ‘walking-clothes-hangers’? @